The endorsement race between mayoral contenders Nathan Fletcher and Kevin Faulconer is picking up this week as they seek to replace former Mayor Bob Filner.

On Tuesday, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez of Los Angeles announced he was endorsing Fletcher, a former colleague in the Assembly. On Thursday, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce will consider an endorsement, with City Councilman Faulconer the favorite.

“It’s something the chamber has not traditionally done,” said Jerry Sanders, chamber president and Filner’s predecessor. “It’s a very important election, and we should have a spirited discussion.”

Faulconer is viewed as having the edge in winning the chamber endorsement, but Sanders indicated the outcome is far from certain.

“Kevin has been very strong on chamber issues over the years, and he has helped on initiatives that have been very important to us,” Sanders said.

In announcing his support of Fletcher, Pérez praised him for his ability to unify people.

“I know that every San Diegan will benefit from his focus on making sure basic city services are delivered equally in every neighborhood, and that's why Nathan Fletcher has earned my full support to be the next mayor of San Diego," said Pérez, who appointed Fletcher, while in the Assembly, to chair its Select Committee on Job Creation for the New Economy.

Pérez joins other Democratic lawmakers backing Fletcher, including Rep. Juan Vargas, state Sen. Marty Block and Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez. Now a Democrat, Fletcher was a Republican when he served in the Assembly, but was known for working across the aisle.

Meanwhile, former Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña, who pulled papers to run for mayor last week, has yet to confirm she is in the race. Saldaña vied with Fletcher and City Councilman David Alvarez last week for an endorsement by the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council. The council ultimately backed Alvarez.